When you look at his final numbers, it’s hard to believe that Tim Thomas wasn’t expected to be the starter this season. He won the early competition with Tuukka Rask and set an NHL record with a .938 save percentage, earning SN’s goalie of the year award with 141 votes from our player panel.

But those who know Thomas know he isn’t about the numbers. SN asked three former teammates what makes him great.

Lightning RW Martin St. Louis says: “He’s such a competitor. He’s always been like that -- his compete level is just really, really high. He never gives up on any shot or any rebounds. His drive of not getting scored on is amazing. … He’s all about keeping the puck out of the net as much as he can.”

Thrashers D Mark Stuart says: “Playing with him for a few years, the thing I noticed most and respected most was his compete level. Even in practice. He’s not too happy letting in pucks -- in practice, in games. He’ll jump from one end of the net to the other to save pucks. You can’t question his compete level game in and game out.”